A 75-year-old former teacher has been struck off the teaching register following findings that he made inappropriate remarks to multiple pupils, including a sexually suggestive comment about a school production. According to BBC News, the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) panel determined that John Kerr engaged in a pattern of concerning behaviour while employed at Berwickshire High School in Duns, Scottish Borders, teaching history and modern studies more than seven years ago. The panel ordered his removal from the teaching register for one year.
Kerr denied all allegations at the hearing, claiming the conversations had not taken place. However, the GTCS panel found multiple claims proved and concluded that his conduct was "very serious" and displayed behaviour unfit for the profession. The Border Telegraph reported that the panel found there was no evidence of insight, apology or remediation, and that Kerr attempted to blame pupils for his actions.
The incidents under investigation dated to December 2018. It was alleged that when asked by one pupil whether he would attend the school production of Grease, Kerr responded with words to the effect of: "I will if you are going to be wearing the low-cut crop top and tight trousers, but I might not have a job the next day." Kerr claimed he had not been aware of the production and had been away in Seville for 10 days at that time.
What other conduct was found to have occurred?
The panel also found that in February 2019, Kerr had shouted at another pupil, spat on his own hand and wiped it on the student's arm, and pushed the pupil. A claim that he had told a third pupil "I am going to burn you" was found not to be proved, with Kerr telling the hearing the phrase sounded as though it had been taken from a comic.
However, a series of statements made to a fourth pupil were found to have been proven. These included telling the student: "You'll never be as smart as me ... I have written over 50 books" and "You are thick and stupid ... you will never make anything of your life." According to the Border Telegraph, the panel also found Kerr had told this pupil "I am going to kick your teeth in" and "I will wipe the floor with you," among other aggressive statements. The panel noted that one pupil did not want to attend Kerr's class following his behaviour, and that another pupil was upset by the incidents.
Why did the panel decide to remove him from the register?
The panel determined that removal from the teaching register was the appropriate and proportionate sanction. It took into account that the events had occurred approximately seven years before the hearing and that Kerr had not returned to the classroom shortly after the incidents. A representative for Kerr submitted that no sanction was necessary, noting that as the teacher was now 75 years old he had no plans to return to the profession. Nevertheless, the panel concluded that the conduct involved multiple pupils across three separate incidents and demonstrated a pattern of behaviour that rendered him unfit to teach.
When was the decision published?
The GTCS published its formal decision on 20 October 2026, following hearings held between 9–12 March and 25–28 August 2026. The panel's written decision sets out the full findings and reasoning behind the sanction imposed.
What are Kerr's options?
Kerr may appeal the decision to the Court of Session within 28 days of service of the decision notice. The appeal process allows for judicial review of the panel's findings and the sanction imposed.
